Trauma-informed care

Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is a framework that involves understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma. TIC emphasizes physical, psychological, and emotional safety for both consumers and providers, and helps survivors rebuild a sense of control and empowerment.

Definition

Trauma-Informed Care is a strengths-based service delivery approach that is grounded in an understanding of and responsiveness to the impact of trauma, that emphasizes physical, psychological, and emotional safety for both providers and survivors, and that creates opportunities for survivors to rebuild a sense of control and empowerment.

Principles

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) outlines six key principles of a trauma-informed approach:

1. Safety
2. Trustworthiness and Transparency
3. Peer support
4. Collaboration and mutuality
5. Empowerment, voice and choice
6. Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues

Implementation

Implementing Trauma-Informed Care involves a shift in organizational culture. It requires a commitment to understanding the prevalence and impact of trauma, the role that trauma plays in people’s lives, and the complex paths to healing and recovery.

Benefits

The benefits of TIC include improved patient engagement, improved treatment adherence, reduced symptoms of trauma, and reduced use of seclusion and restraint.

Criticisms

Critics of TIC argue that it can be difficult to implement, may not be appropriate for all settings, and that more research is needed to determine its effectiveness.

See also

• Trauma
• Mental Health
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

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